Fresh start helps Riley focus

November 20, 2005|MATT KOPSEA Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- The Riley High boys basketball team hopes to avoid starting where it left off last season. A loss to Washington in the Class 4-A Michigan City Sectional semifinals ended the Wildcats' (13-9) season. "We had high hopes, but we just didn't play our best when we needed to," said Riley coach Mark Johnson. "The nice thing is we have a chance to start out fresh now. If we work hard and continue improving, we can get ourselves in position to compete for another sectional title when March comes along." Having plenty of friendly faces back, including six seniors, has helped the healing. "This is most seniors I've had since the group I had a couple of years ago that included (guard Vynsynt) Vann," recalled Johnson of the 2002-03 squad which won the sectional and finished runner-up in the regional. "The thing I like most about this quality group is their versatility. They not have the ability to drive to the basket, but they can also pull up from the outside and hit the jumper." Among the experienced upperclassmen returning for another go-around is 5-foot-11 swingman Tony Willis (18.6 points per game), who has been a regular contributor since coming aboard as a freshman. "Tony plays at a high level and has made strides and improvements in his game each year," said Johnson. "He has plenty of confidence in his shooting ability and has also worked hard to make himself into a better all-around performer." Other veterans counted on for help are forwards Michael Taylor (14.6 ppg) and C.J. Macon, along with guards Michael Hunt and Donny Wirt. "Michael and C.J. are both strong, quick players who we expect to perform at a high level both scoring and rebounding," said Johnson. "Michael and Donny not only give us good quickness in the backcourt, but also the ability to put the ball in the basket." Some of the new kids on the block include senior William Leeks, junior Doug Jackson, and sophomores J.T. Breveard and Ronald Mitchem. "We got nine players on our rosters and each one of them will be counted on to contribute in some capacity," said Johnson. "They each have their own individual talent, so they compliment each other very well." Just as in past years, Johnson demands his players to perform at a high level starting Wednesday at LaPorte. "We've got to utilize our speed in order to make things happen," said Johnson. "We'd like to use our defense to get us going offensively. In order to do that, though, we've got to play with some intensity and come up some stops." Staff writer Matt Kopsea: mkopsea@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6315